THE dreaded ‘fifth season’ has arrived. A sombre grey shroud has enveloped the city of Lahore and the adjoining towns and cities, reminding the poor — once again —that no one is looking out for them. While those who can afford it might invest in precautions like air purifiers; they may be able to shut their doors and windows, etc. However, people whose livelihoods depend on them plying the roads at any time of the day and night, or those living in low-income localities next to industrial areas can do little except hope that the authorities take some measures for them to be able to, quite literally, breathe easier.

Earlier this week air quality in Lahore reached hazardous levels while during November it was recorded as approaching a shocking high of AQI500. The situation is neither new nor unexpected. For several years now, the month of December has brought, besides chilly weather, a suffocating blanket of smoke and pollutants that affects not only everyday life and movement, but also has a debilitating effect on the public’s health. In Lahore, hospitals are reporting a significant increase in allergies and respiratory illnesses. Other health problems such as smoker’s cough have become more pronounced and prevalent than before. Moreover, by inhaling pollutant-laden air, expectant mothers in low-income areas are damaging their health and also that of their unborn babies, leading to complications during pregnancy or childbirth. The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution estimated air pollution-related deaths in Pakistan to be around 128,005 in 2019, ranking third highest among the ten countries with the worst air quality. Earlier in the month, Lahore stood sixth among the world’s top ten cities with the worst air quality. (While Karachi ranked fourth, it has the advantage of being a coastal city.) The authorities need to address this issue immediately before it gets out of hand. They must devise both short- and long-term strategies for cleaning up their act so that the people of Lahore do not continue to suffer.

Published in Dawn, January 6th, 2021